







In English we use the present simple tense to talk about facts or things that are always true, as well as things in general. Present simple is also used to talk about a repeated action such as a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens.
In English we use 'do' and 'does' as auxiliary verbs in negatives and questions and we often use the present simple with adverbs of frequency such as sometimes, always, often, never, usually, rarely, and hardly ever.
Notes for use of present simple :
In the third person, ‘s’ is added to the verb form. For example;
work --> works
run --> runs
live --> lives
For verbs that end in 'o', 'sh', 'ch', 's' and 'x', we add 'es' to the verb form. For example;
go --> goes
wish --> wishes
watch --> watches
kiss --> kisses
fax --> faxes
For verbs that end in a consonant + 'y', we change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'. For example;
try --> tries
study --> studies
The table below shows the different forms of present simple :
Example Verb : Work | I / You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | ... work. | ... works. |
| Negative | ... don't work. | ... doesn't work. |
Questions | Do ... work? | Does ... work? |
| Short answers | Yes, ... do. / No, ... don't. | Yes, ... does. / No, ... doesn't. |
For the verb 'to be' we use 'am', 'is', 'are' in the present simple. No auxiliary verbs are used in negative sentences and questions.
Verb: Be | I | You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | I'm ... | ... 're ... | ... 's ... |
| Negative | I'm not ... | ... aren't ... | ... isn't ... |
| Questions | Am I ... ? | Are ... ...? | Is ... ...? |
| Short answers | Yes, I am. / No, I'm not. | Yes, ... are. / No, ... aren't. | Yes, ... is. / No, ... isn't. |
Present Simple Example Sentences :
Positive Examples of Present Simple :
Negative Examples of Present Simple :
Question Examples of Present Simple :
| Present simple example sentences | |
|---|---|
| Here you can take it, be careful, it's very hot. | |
| Well, that's another problem! | |
| They don't usually work after ten o'clock. | |
| Yes, it might be, but I'm very busy with some projects these days. | |
| So does that mean you don't want to stay with me? | |
| It's the second one from the top. | |
| But he hisses occasionally, is it normal? | |
| How old are you? | |
| Yes, sorry, everything seems filthy, but believe me, it's not my fault! | |
| Do you feel a bit better now? | |
| He looks like he is interested in you! | |
| It's more than enough, I need some garlic, also. | |
| What do you do? | |
| I don't like violence in real life, I only like it in movies. | |
| Hello, what kind of dog do you have, Mike? | |
| Yeah, but the room is square and there are only four main objects in it. | |
| Yes, there are some knives, too. | |
| Calm down dear, I don't think he realises what he says. | |
| I hope it's not related to me! | |
| And the buses always arrive on time. | |